Get ready for a thrilling journey back in time with Scott Bakula's bold vision for a new Star Trek spin-off! This proposed series promises to unveil a pivotal moment in the franchise's history, and it's a doozy.
Unveiling the Past: A Star Trek Mystery Unveiled
Bakula, a former star of Star Trek: Enterprise, and his creative partner, Mike Sussman, are taking us on a journey to the late 22nd century, right at the birth of the United Federation of Planets. But here's where it gets controversial: they want to explore a story that has remained untold on screen, a story that has left fans curious and frustrated - the Romulan War.
Star Trek: Enterprise, which Bakula starred in, was a prequel set in the 2150s, a decade before the Federation's founding. Bakula portrayed Jonathan Archer, the captain of the first starship Enterprise. The show had a rough start but found its stride in seasons 3 and 4, and now, Bakula and Sussman want to continue that legacy with a new series, Star Trek: United.
United will follow Archer during his presidential tenure, a role he held from 2184 to 2192. Sussman envisions an opening scene that will set the tone: Archer and his crew engaged in the Earth-Romulan War, a pivotal moment that will introduce a key character for the series.
The Romulans, one of the oldest villains in the Star Trek universe, made their debut in the original series' episode "Balance of Terror." This episode revealed a war fought a century prior, resulting in a Neutral Zone between Starfleet and the Romulans. Enterprise season 4 began to build towards this war, and if the show had continued, it would have become the central focus.
The Romulan War is a story that has never been fully explored on screen, and it's a missed opportunity. With its intricate political and strategic elements, it has the potential to be a captivating and grounded series, much like Andor.
But why has this story remained untold? Sussman believes it has something to do with the mysterious relationship between the Romulans and the Vulcans. The Federation, or perhaps the people of Earth, seem to want to keep the Vulcans in the dark about the Romulans' true nature. It's an intriguing question, and one that Sussman is eager to explore.
As for the cast, Sussman hinted at the return of some familiar faces. Todd Stashwick, who played the Romulan spy Talok in Enterprise, could reprise his role, and perhaps even double up as Captain Shaw from Star Trek: Picard. Jeffrey Combs, who portrayed Shran, Archer's Andorian frenemy, might also make a cameo, but Sussman emphasized that any returning characters must have a significant role to play.
Jolene Blalock, who played Archer's Vulcan first officer T'Pol, is mostly retired, but she has made a recent voiceover cameo. Sussman, however, wants to introduce new characters, particularly Archer's adult children, who will be integral to the story.
Star Trek: United will pick up 23 years after the events of the Enterprise series finale, which concluded with the founding of the Federation. With the real-world timing aligning perfectly, it seems like the stars have aligned for Archer to make his comeback.
So, what do you think? Is this a spin-off you'd tune in for? Do you think it will do justice to the untold story of the Romulan War? Let's discuss in the comments!
